In a bold move to strengthen Tunisia’s startup ecosystem, Tunisian venture capital firm 216 Capital has partnered with Silicon Valley’s Plug and Play to launch the 216 Capital Venture Accelerator. This six-month program is designed to fast-track promising Tunisian startups, guiding them toward regional and global growth.
Program Overview
- The accelerator will support up to 20 Tunisian startups, with each receiving an initial investment of €50,000 (approximately US$58,000).
- In addition to funding, startups will benefit from mentorship provided by international investors, coaches, and venture capitalists, along with access to Plug and Play’s extensive global network of corporations, mentors, and backers.
- High-performing startups may be eligible for follow-on funding through associated funds.
- Backed by Smart Capital and the ANAVA fund of funds, the initiative aligns closely with Tunisia’s national goals for innovation.
Dhekra Khelifi, Partner at 216 Capital, called the collaboration a significant milestone. “By joining forces with Plug and Play, we are equipping local entrepreneurs with the tools they need to structure their businesses, attract capital, and access international markets.”
Yves Cabanac, Managing Director for France, Benelux, and Africa at Plug and Play, highlighted Tunisia’s growing potential to produce globally relevant startups. “This program aims to accelerate that momentum by identifying high-potential ventures, aligning them with global standards, and channeling new flows of capital into the country,” he said.
Broader Objectives
The initiative seeks to:
- Attract greater investment into Tunisia’s early-stage tech ecosystem through the combined networks of 216 Capital and Plug and Play.
- Position Tunisia as a key innovation hub bridging Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
- Spark new startup success stories that gain international recognition and validation.
Tunisia’s government has long supported innovation through the 2018 Startup Act, which offers incentives, regulatory support, and funding mechanisms for tech entrepreneurs. However, expanding beyond national borders has been a major challenge for many founders, hindered by fragmented markets and limited access to global capital.
The 216 Capital Venture Accelerator aims to address these challenges by not only injecting capital but also providing global frameworks and standards to help local startups grow. For entrepreneurs, this translates to better business structures, increased investment readiness, and concrete pathways for scaling across borders.
